Snowmobile control system

ABSTRACT

A snowmobile including a warming element at a handlebar of the snowmobile. The warming element is configured to generate heat in response to electrical current driven therethrough. A user interface is configured to receive inputs from an operator of the snowmobile. The inputs include a first temperature input setting a first predetermined temperature for the warming element. A control assembly includes a warmer control button configured for setting the warming element at the first predetermined temperature. A control module is included with the control assembly and in receipt of inputs from the user interface and the control assembly. The control module is configured to, when the first predetermined temperature is selected by way of the warmer control button, direct sufficient electrical current to the warming element to generate heat equal to the first predetermined temperature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/723,806 filed on Dec. 20, 2019. The entire disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a snowmobile, and more particularly toa control system for a snowmobile.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

A snowmobile is a motorized vehicle designed for winter travel andrecreation, for example. A snowmobile may be operated on snow and ice,and does not require a road or trail. While current snowmobiles aresuitable for their intended use, they are subject to improvement. Forexample, while some snowmobiles include hand and thumb warmers, theoperator's ability to customize the amount of heat generated by thewarmers is extremely limited. Furthermore, while some snowmobilesinclude display screens to convey information to the operator, existingscreens are prone to false touches due to buildup of contaminants on thescreen, such as snow and other debris. Existing displays are alsosubject to lengthy boot-up processes, which are an inconvenience for theoperator. The present disclosure is directed to an improved snowmobileincluding the features and advantages described herein.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

The present disclosure includes a warming element at a handlebar of thesnowmobile. The warming element is configured to generate heat inresponse to electrical current driven therethrough. A user interface isconfigured to receive inputs from an operator of the snowmobile. Theinputs include a first temperature input setting a first predeterminedtemperature for the warming element. A control assembly includes awarmer control button configured for setting the warming element at thefirst predetermined temperature. A control module is included with thecontrol assembly and in receipt of inputs from the user interface andthe control assembly. The control module is configured to, when thefirst predetermined temperature is selected by way of the warmer controlbutton, direct sufficient electrical current to the warming element togenerate heat equal to the first predetermined temperature.

The present disclosure is further directed to a snowmobile including awarming element at a handlebar of the snowmobile, the warming elementconfigured to generate heat in response to electrical current driventherethrough. A control assembly is mounted to the handlebar. Thecontrol assembly includes a warming element control button configured tocontrol the warming element. A driver is included in the controlassembly. The driver is configured to drive electrical current to thewarming element. A control module is included with the control assemblymounted to the handlebar and in receipt of inputs from the controlassembly. The control module is configured to, when the warming elementis activated by way of the warming element control button, directelectrical current to the warming element to heat the warming element.

The present disclosure is also directed to a snowmobile including awarming element at a handlebar of the snowmobile. The warming element isconfigured to generate heat in response to electrical current driventherethrough. A display is configured to receive touch inputs from anoperator of the snowmobile for controlling the warming element. Acontrol assembly is mounted to the handlebar. The control assemblyincludes a warmer control button configured for controlling the warmingelement. A control module is included with the control assembly and incommunication with the display to provide feedback messages to theoperator. The control module is configured to direct sufficientelectrical current to the warming element to heat the warming element.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselect embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary snowmobile in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the snowmobile;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the snowmobile;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the snowmobile;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the snowmobile;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the snowmobile;

FIG. 7A is a top view of a center console of the snowmobile;

FIG. 7B illustrates hand and thumb warmers on handlebars of thesnowmobile;

FIG. 8A is a plan view of a left hand control panel mounted to the lefthandle bar of the snowmobile;

FIG. 8B illustrates power to the left hand control panel and variousother features of, and related to, the left hand control panel;

FIG. 9 illustrates a display assembly of the snowmobile;

FIG. 10A is an exemplary display screen of the display assembly;

FIG. 10B illustrates another exemplary display screen of the displayassembly for hand and thumb warmer control.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an undersurface of a hood assembly ofthe snowmobile;

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating main headlights and accent lights ofthe snowmobile;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a power system of the snowmobile;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of power inputs to the main headlights and theaccent lights;

FIG. 15A is a diagram of various power mode states of the snowmobile;

FIG. 15B is a continuation of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16A is a first power stateflow diagram of the snowmobile;

FIG. 16B is a second power stateflow diagram of the snowmobile;

FIG. 16C is a third power stateflow diagram of the snowmobile;

FIG. 16D is a fourth power stateflow diagram of the snowmobile;

FIG. 16E is a fifth power stateflow diagram of the snowmobile;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of current flow to hand and thumb warmers of thesnowmobile;

FIG. 18A is a resistive control flowchart for the hand and thumbwarmers; and

FIG. 18B is a continuation of FIG. 18A.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-6 , an exemplary vehicle in accordancewith the present disclosure is illustrated. Although the vehicle isillustrated as a snowmobile 10, numerous aspects of the presentdisclosure may be included with any other suitable vehicle as well. Thesnowmobile 10 may be any suitable type of snowmobile, such as anysuitable trail snowmobile, sport trail snowmobile, touring snowmobile,performance snowmobile, utility snowmobile (such as any snowmobilesuitable for search and/or rescue, law enforcement, military operations,etc.), crossover snowmobile, mountain snowmobile, youth snowmobile, etc.

The snowmobile 10 generally includes a front end 12 and a rear end 14.At the front end 12 is a front suspension 16. At the rear end 14 is arear suspension 18. The front suspension 16 and the rear suspension 18support a chassis 20.

The front suspension 16 includes shock absorbers 22, each one of whichis connected to a ski 24. The shock absorbers 22 may be any dampeningdevices suitable for absorbing shock resulting from the skis 24 passingover uneven terrain. The skis 24 are steered in part by a suitablesteering device, such as handlebars 26.

Coupled to the rear suspension 18 is a belt or track 30, which is anendless or continuous belt or track 30. Rotation of the track 30 propelsthe snowmobile 10. The track 30 is circulated through a tunnel 32defined at least in part by the chassis 20. The tunnel 32 is tapered atthe rear end 14. Mounted at the rear end 14 is a flap 34, which blockssnow and other debris from being “kicked-up” by the track 30.

Mounted to the chassis 20 and atop the tunnel 32 is a seat 40 for theoperator of the snowmobile 10. On both sides of the chassis 20 or tunnel32 are footrests 42, upon which the operator may rest his or her feetwhen seated on the seat 40. The seat 40 is positioned to allow thedriver to grasp the handlebars 26 for steering the snowmobile 10. Thehandlebars 26 are mounted to a steering rod 28, which protrudes out fromwithin the center console 44. At the center console 44 is a fuel cap 46of a fuel tank 48. Any suitable accessory 36 (see FIG. 6 ) may bemounted to the chassis 20 behind the seat 40.

At the front end 12 of the snowmobile 10 is a hood assembly 50, which ismounted on top of a nose pan 68. Mounted to the hood assembly 50 andprotruding from a forwardmost end thereof is a front bumper 52. The hoodassembly 50 houses headlights 54. An optional windshield 56 is connectedto an uppermost portion of the hood assembly 50. Associated with thehood assembly 50 is a display 58 viewable by the operator when seated onthe seat 40. Mounted to opposite sides of the hood assembly are bodypanels 60, which are advantageously interchangeable.

With particular reference to FIG. 6 , the snowmobile 10 further includesan engine assembly 70. The engine assembly 70 generates power fordriving the track 30. The engine assembly 70 may include any suitableengine, such as a two-stroke engine, a four-stroke engine (with orwithout a turbocharger), an 850cc engine, etc. Coupled to the engineassembly 70 is any suitable exhaust assembly 72. Oil for the engineassembly 70 is stored in an oil tank assembly 74, which may be arrangedproximate to the seat 40.

The snowmobile 10 further includes one or more control modules 64. Forexample, a control module 64A (see FIG. 8A) may be included within adisplay assembly of the display 58, and a control module 64B (see FIG. 9) may be included in a control assembly 66 mounted to the handlebars 26.The term “control module” may be replaced with the term “circuit.” Theterm “control module” may refer to, be part of, or include processorhardware (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code and memoryhardware (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by theprocessor hardware. The code is configured to provide the features ofthe control module described herein. The term memory hardware is asubset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readablemedium, as used herein, does not encompass transitory electrical orelectromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on acarrier wave). The term computer-readable medium is therefore consideredtangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium are nonvolatile memory devices (such as a flashmemory device, an erasable programmable read-only memory device, or amask read-only memory device), volatile memory devices (such as a staticrandom access memory device or a dynamic random access memory device),magnetic storage media (such as an analog or digital magnetic tape or ahard disk drive), and optical storage media (such as a CD, a DVD, or aBlu-ray Disc).

FIG. 7A is a cockpit view generally taken from the viewpoint of theoperator looking towards the display 58 and the skis 24. When seated onthe seat 40, the operator will generally have his or her feet on thefootrest 42. In some instances, the operator may operate the snowmobile10 in a standing position. Shin rests 62 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B, forexample) are on opposite sides of the center console 44, and provideconvenient surfaces for the operator to rest his/her shins whenoperating the snowmobile 10 in a standing, or partially standing,position. Regardless of the operator's position, he or she has easyaccess to the handlebars 26 and a control assembly mounted thereto, suchas left hand control assembly 66 mounted to a left one of the handlebars26.

FIGS. 7B, 8A and 8B illustrate an exemplary left hand control assembly66 in accordance with the present disclosure. Although the left handcontrol assembly 66 is illustrated and described as mounted to the lefthandle bar 26, the left hand control assembly 66 may be configured to bemounted to, and mounted to, the right handle bar 26. The left handcontrol assembly 66 includes a plurality of buttons and/or switches forcontrolling various functions of the snowmobile 10. Any suitable numberand configuration of buttons and/or switches may be included. Thecontrol assembly 66 is sealed to prevent outside contaminates fromdamaging the control assembly 66 and the contents thereof. The buttonsmay be covered with any watertight material, such as silicon, a suitablepolymeric or rubber material, or any other suitable covering to enhanceease of actuation by the user. Exemplary buttons for controllingexemplary operations of the snowmobile 10 include, but are not limitedto, the following: handle bar warmers 410A; high beams 410B;infotainment control 410C; return 410D; and forward 410E. Forsnowmobiles including electric start functionality, an electric startbutton may also be included. A button for controlling electric shocksmay also be included.

One or more of the buttons may include status indicators, such as LEDindicators or any other suitable indicators. For example and withrespect to the handle bar warmer button 410A, three LED lights 412 maybe included. The LED lights 412 may indicate whether the handle barwarmers are at a low, medium or high heat setting. Another LED light 412may be included at the headlight button 410, such as to indicate whetherthe headlights are on or off.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the left hand control assembly 66 may includethe control module 64A, which functions as a vehicle control unit andcontrols various features of the snowmobile 10. The control module 64Amay alternatively be arranged at any other suitable location about thesnowmobile 10. Operation of the control module 64A to control variousfeatures of the snowmobile 10 is described herein, such as with respectto control of the handle bar warmers.

With particular reference to FIG. 7B, the handle bars 26 may include anysuitable hand warmers, such as a left hand warmer 434A for the lefthandle bar 26, a right hand warmer 434B for the right handle bar 26, anda thumb warmer 436 for the operator's right thumb. Any suitable handlebar warmers may be used, such as those disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/156,548 titled “Temperature Sensing and ControlSystem and Method,” which was filed on Oct. 10, 2018 and is assigned toPolaris Industries Inc. of Medina, Minn. The entire disclosure ofapplication Ser. No. 16/156,548 is incorporated by reference herein.

In addition to, or in place of, the warmers 434A, 434B, and 436, anyother suitable warmers may be included. For example, the followingwarmers may also be included: brake handle warmer; storage compartmentwarmer; goggles warmer; garment warmer; windshield warmer; helmet shieldwarmer; seat warmer; etc. The description of the operation of thewarmers 434A, 434B, 436 set forth herein also applies to the additionalwarmers listed in the preceding sentence, as well as to any othersuitable warmers.

The display 58 may be any suitable touch screen having any suitablesize, such as 7″ diagonally. With reference to FIG. 9 , the display 58includes the control module 64B, which controls various functions of thedisplay 58 and the display assembly associated therewith. For example,the control module 64B may operate an operating system of the display58, may identify location of the snowmobile based on inputs from GPSreceiver 440 (see FIG. 11 ), and may control any other suitablefunctions and features as well.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , surrounding the display 58 is an upper bezel420A, a left hand bezel 420B, a right hand bezel 420C, and a lower bezel420D. Each one of the upper bezel 420A, the left hand bezel 420B, andthe right-hand bezel 420C have a similar, or the same, height. Thus, thedisplay 58 is recessed beneath each one of the upper bezel 420A, theleft hand bezel 420B and the right hand bezel 420C at a common distance.

The lower bezel 420D is not as tall as (or is more shallow than) eachone of the upper bezel 420A, the left hand bezel 420B, and the righthand bezel 420C. In some applications, the lower bezel 420D may not bepresent at all. To the left and right of the lower bezel 420D are cornerbezels 420E. The corner bezels 420E are angled inward toward the lowerbezel 420D. Specifically, the left corner bezel 420E extends from theleft hand bezel 420B to the lower bezel 420D. The right corner bezel420E extends from right hand bezel 420C to the lower bezel 420D. Thecorner bezels 420E may have the same height as the lower bezel 420D, ormay have the same height as the left and right hand bezels 420B, 420C.Alternatively, the corner bezels 420E may gradually decrease in heightfrom the left and right hand bezels 420B, 420C to the lower bezel 420D.

The relatively lower or shallow height of the lower bezel 420D (andoptionally the corner bezels 420E) reduces the buildup of, andfacilitates removal of, snow and other contaminates at the lower portionof the display 58. For example, current snowmobile displays aresurrounded by a bezel that is uniform in height around the display. As aresult, snow and other contaminates often build up on the lower bezel,and the height of existing bezels at the bottom portion thereof makes itdifficult to wipe away or otherwise remove the snow and contaminates.Advantageously, the lower bezel 420D of the present disclosure isrelatively short and shallow (or not present at all) thereby making iteasier to wipe snow and other contaminates off of the display 58.

The display 58 includes a lower portion 58′, which is adjacent to thelower bezel 420D. The lower portion 58′ is the bottom fifth of thedisplay 58 and extends about 0.25″-0.50″ from the lower bezel 420D.Although the relatively shallow lower bezel 420D helps to prevent orlessen buildup of snow and other contaminates at the lower portion 58′of the display 58, some buildup may occur. Buildup of snow andcontaminates at the lower portion 58′ may result in the display 58sensing false touch inputs. To lessen or eliminate the occurrence offalse inputs caused by snow, contaminates, or other foreign objects atthe lower portion 58′, the lower portion 58′ is configured with asensitivity level that is reduced as compared to the rest of the display58. The lower portion 58′ may always be provided with reducedsensitivity or the user may select a reduced sensitivity mode for thelower portion 58′ as conditions warrant.

On opposite sides of the display 58 is a control panel 150, whichincludes any suitable physical controls 152 for entering commands intothe display 58. For example, the controls 152 may be any suitablebuttons, knobs, switches, joysticks, etc. The controls 152 may include apair of up and down switches on the right hand side thereof. The display58 may be configured such that simultaneous actuation of the up and downswitches, for example, places the display 58 in a “lock mode,” wherebytouch inputs are not accepted, and thus the physical controls 152 mustbe used to enter inputs. This mode provides numerous advantages,particularly under conditions resulting in the buildup of snow or othercontaminates on the display 58, which may cause false inputs.

FIG. 10A illustrates an exemplary display screen 430 of the display 58.In the example of FIG. 10A, various features of the snowmobile 10 may becontrolled by way of touch inputs, such as the hand warmers 434A, 434Band the thumb warmer 436. As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the hand warmers434A, 434B may be set to a temperature that is different from thetemperature of the thumb warmer 436. Furthermore, each one of the handwarmers 434A, 434B and the thumb warmer 436 may be independentlyactivated or deactivated. In some applications, individual drivers foreach of the hand warmers 434A, 434B and the thumb warmer 436 may beincluded to permit the temperature of the left hand warmer 434A to beset at a different temperature as compared to the right hand warmer434B.

Pressing the “settings” button in the heated grips section of displayscreen 430A results in the display 58 displaying settings page 432illustrated in FIG. 10B. At the settings page 432, the ideal temperaturefor the hand warmers 434A, 434B and the thumb warmer 436 can becustomized. For example, the hand warmers 434A, 434B may be set suchthat at the lower setting the hand warmers 434A, 434B are warmed to 25°F., warmed to 35° F. at the medium setting, and warmed to 50° F. at thehigh setting. The temperature of the thumb warmer 436 may be setdifferently. For example, the thumb warmer may be set such that at thelower setting, the thumb warmer 436 is heated to 30° F., is heated to40° F. at the medium setting, and is heated to 55° F. at the highsetting. Hand warmer drivers and control of the hand warmers 434A, 434Band the thumb warmer 436 to generate the temperature requested by theuser is described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 17, 18A, and 18B.

FIG. 11 illustrates the undersurface of the hood assembly and the rearof the display 58. Extending from the rear of the display 58 is a wireharness 144. The wire harness 144 connects the display 58 and thecontrol module 64B thereof to various other components of the hood 50,such as, but not limited, to the following: an antenna 168; a GPSreceiver 440; a USB port 156; headlights 54 by way of headlightconnector 144A; and to the left hand control assembly 66 by way ofconnector 144B. The left and right hand warmers 434A, 434B and the thumbwarmer 436 may be connected directly to the left hand control assembly66 or indirectly by way of the display 58.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 , the headlights 54 include main headlights54A and accent lights 54B. The main headlights 54A provide the majorityof the forward illumination used to operate the snowmobile 10 at nightor in low light conditions, and may also be activated during the day tomake the snowmobile 10 more visible to others. The accent lights 54B arerelatively low power lights that generate less lumens as compared to themain headlights 54A. The accent lights 54B may be configured to alwaysbe illuminated when the snowmobile 10 is being used, as well as for apredetermined period thereafter, as described further herein. The accentlights 54B improve the visibility of the snowmobile 10, and enhance theaesthetics of the snowmobile as well. Operation of the headlights 54Aand 54B will be described further herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary power system 450 of the snowmobile 10.The power system 450 includes any suitable power source 452. The powersource 452 may be any suitable battery, such as any suitable lithium ionbattery, or any suitable capacitor, such as a 7F capacitor. The powersource 452 is connected to the display 58 at PIN 3 (switched power) andPIN 4 (constant battery power). Between the power source 452 and thedisplay 58 is any suitable switch 454 such as a keyswitch. The powersource 452 is further connected to the main headlights 54A and theaccent lights 54B.

The power system 452 further includes a relay switch 456. At an enginespeed greater than 1,000 RPM, the relay switch 456 closes in order topower the main headlights 54A and accent lights 54B by chassis power.The power system 450 further powers fuel and oil pumps 458 and mayinclude an optional regulator 460. Any suitable regulator may be used,such as a PBR (power boost regulator). The power system 450 is describedin greater specificity herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates power supply to the main headlights 54A (includinghigh beams 470A and low beams 470B) and the accent lights 54B. The highbeams 470A and the low beams 470B are connected to ground at PIN 1 480.Main headlight power for the low beams 470B is provided by way of PIN 2at 482. When powered, PIN 2 powers both the low beams 470B and theaccent light 54B. The accent light 54B is powered at full power, such asat about 330-360 milliamps. Power for the high beams 470A is provided byway of PIN 3 at 484 (100 mA switch to power from left hand control 66).Switch 472 is arranged between PIN 3 and the high beams 470A. Power tothe accent lights 54B may be provided by way of PIN 4 at 486, whichpowers the accent lights 54B by way of the display 58 when the engine isoff at a relatively low intensity, such as at about 250 milliamps, ascompared to when powered by way of PIN 2. Power can be directed to thehigh beams 470A, the low beams 470B, and the accent light 54B in anyother suitable manner as well, such as by way of any suitable relay.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate exemplary power mode states of thesnowmobile 10, and particularly the left hand control assembly 66thereof, at reference numeral 510. The power mode states include thefollowing: Mode 0 (no power state); Mode 1 (on state); Mode 2 (engineoff, full power state); Mode 3 (engine off, low power state); and Mode 4(on state, no chassis power).

In the no power state of Mode 0, the snowmobile 10 is completelyshutdown, there is no critical power, no chassis power, and the lefthand control assembly 66 has no functionality.

In the on state of Mode 1, the engine 70 is on and there is criticalpower (such as at about 14V for example) and chassis power (such as atabout 14.4V, for example), but no switched power. In Mode 1, expectedfunctionality includes: CAN communication; headlight control; reversedrive of the snowmobile 10; and control of the heaters, such as the handwarmers 434A, 434B and thumb warmer 436 or any other suitable heaters.No push-to-start functionality is available as there is no battery inthe system.

In Mode 2 (engine off, full power state), battery power is available ifthe snowmobile 10 includes a battery. No critical power or chassis poweris available in Mode 2, and thus Mode 2 is only available when thesnowmobile 10 includes a battery. Expected functionality in Mode 2includes CAN communication and push-to-start if the snowmobile 10 isoutfitted with such functionality. The following functionality is notavailable in Mode 2: headlight control, reverse, and control of heaters,such as hand warmers 434A, 434B and thumb warmer 436. Mode 2 permitscommunication with the instrumentation.

In Mode 3 (engine off, low power state), battery power is available ifthe snowmobile 10 includes a battery. No critical power or chassis poweris available in Mode 3, and thus Mode 3 is only available when thesnowmobile 10 includes a battery. The left hand control assembly 66 willwake-up to Mode 2 in response to a button push, receipt of a CAN bussignal, or critical power. The following functionality is not available:CAN communication, headlight control, reverse operation, push-to-start(when the snowmobile is outfitted with such functionality), control ofheaters, such as hand warmers 434A, 434B and thumb warmer 436. Mode 3reduces current draw on the battery when the user forgets to turn thekey off. Also, Mode 3 is used to wake up from the lower power state.

In Mode 4 (engine on, no chassis power), battery power is available andcritical power is available, such as at about 14V for example. Expectedfunctionality includes: CAN communication, headlight control, andreverse operation. Push-to-start is not available (if included with thesnowmobile 10), and there is no control of heaters. Thus in Mode 4 theengine is running, but chassis power is either disabled or not yetturned on by a power boosting regulator (PBR).

The snowmobile 10 is placed in the different power mode states, and thecontrol logic of FIGS. 15A and 15B is executed by, the control module64A of the left hand control 66. At block 512, the power mode state ofthe snowmobile 10 is mode 0, which is a no power state. From block 512,the control logic proceeds to block 514. At block 514, the controlmodule 64A checks to determine whether the ignition switch of thesnowmobile 10 has been activated and whether a battery (such as thepower source 452) is present. If the ignition switch has not beenactivated and/or no battery is present, the control logic proceeds toblock 516. At block 516 the control module 64A determines whether thereis critical power and whether the engine is on. If the engine is offand/or critical power is not present, the control logic returns to block512 and the snowmobile remains in the no power state of mode 0.

If at block 514 the control module 64A determines that the ignitionswitch is on and a battery is present, the control logic proceeds toblock 520. Also, if at block 516 the control module 64A determines thatcritical power is present and the engine is on, the control logicproceeds to block 520. At block 520, the snowmobile 10 is in mode 1,which is the on state.

From the mode 1 (on state) of block 520, the control logic proceeds toblock 522. At block 522, the control module 64A determines whethercritical power is present. If critical power is present, the controllogic proceeds to block 524. At block 24, the control module 64Adetermines whether chassis power 524 is present. If chassis power ispresent, the control module 64A returns block 520, which is the fullpower on state of mode 1. If at block 524 the control module 64Adetermines that there is no chassis power, the control logic proceeds toblock 526, where the control module 64A operates the snowmobile 10 inmode 4, which is an on state without chassis power. From block 526, thecontrol logic returns to block 522.

If at block 522 the control module 64A determines that critical power isnot present, the control logic proceeds to block 528. At block 528, thecontrol module 64A checks for switch battery power. If no battery poweris detected at block 528, the control logic proceeds to block 512 wherethe control module 64A places the snowmobile 10 in power mode state 0,which is the no power state. If at block 528 the control module 64Adetects battery power, the control logic proceeds to block 530. At block530, the control module 64A places the snowmobile 10 in power mode 2,which is an engine off, full power state.

From block 530, the control logic proceeds to block 532. At block 532,the control module 64A checks for battery power. If no battery power isdetected, the control logic to block 512, which is the no power state ofmode 0. If at block 532 battery power is detected, the control logicproceeds to block 534. At block 534, the control module 64A checks forcritical power. If critical power is present, the control logic returnsto the on state of power mode state 1.

If at block 534 critical power is not detected, the control logicproceeds to block 536 of FIG. 15B. At block 536, the control module 64Achecks for button pushes by the operator, such as actuation of thebuttons on the left hand control 66, touch inputs to the display 58, oractuation of the physical controls 152 adjacent to the display 58. Ifbutton pushes are detected, the control logic returns block 530 and thecontrol module 64A keeps the snowmobile 10 in the engine off, full powerstate. If at block 536 no button pushes are detected, the control logicproceeds to block 538. At block 538 the control module 64A checks for aCAN message from an IC. If a CAN message is detected, the control logicreturns to block 530 where the engine off, full power state ismaintained. If at block 538 no CAN messages are detected, the controllogic proceeds to block 540.

At block 540, the control module 64A determines whether a state changetimer of the control module 64A has elapsed. If the state change timerhas not yet elapsed, the control logic returns to block 530 where thesnowmobile is maintained in the engine off, full power state. If thestate change timer has elapsed, the control logic proceeds to block 542.

At block 542, the control module 64A places the snowmobile 10 in mode 3,which is an engine off, full power state. From block 542 the controllogic proceeds to block 544, where the control module 64A checks forswitch battery power. If no such battery power is detected, the controllogic returns to block 512 where the control module 64A places thesnowmobile 10 in the no power state. If at block 544 battery power isdetected, the control logic proceeds to block 546. At block 546, thecontrol module 64A determines whether critical power is present. Ifcritical power is present, the control logic returns to block 530 andthe control module 64A places the snowmobile 10 in the engine off, fullpower state. If at block 546, the control module 64A determines thatcritical power is not present, the control logic proceeds to block 548where the control module checks for button pushes, such as actuation ofthe buttons on the left hand control assembly 66, touch inputs to thedisplay 58, or actuation of the physical controls 152 adjacent to thedisplay 58. If one or more button pushes are detected, the control logicreturns to block 530 where the control module 64A places the snowmobilein the engine off, full power state. If at block 548 no button pushesare detected, the control logic proceeds to block 550. At block 550, thecontrol module 64A checks for CAN messages from the IC. If no CANmessages are detected, the control module 64A maintains the snowmobile10 in the engine off, low power state of mode 3. If at block 550 a CANmessage is detected, the control logic returns to block 530 where thecontrol module 64A maintains the snowmobile 10 in the engine off, fullpower state of mode 2.

FIG. 16A illustrates an exemplary full power state flow diagram 610 forthe display 58, the logic of which is carried out by the control module64A, for example. At block 620, the display 58 is in the quiescentcurrent state. The quiescent current state is the lowest power state inwhich everything is off except GPS. Thus the screen is off, thebacklight is off, processors are booted down, GPS is off, and the accentlights 54B are off.

At block 622, the control module 64A determines whether PIN 4 ispowered. If PIN 4 is not powered, the control module 64A proceeds to thepower off state in block 624. If PIN 4 is powered, the control module64A proceeds from block 622 to block 626. At block 626, the controlmodule 64A determines whether PIN 3 is powered. If PIN 3 is not powered,the control logic returns to block 620 where the control module 64Areturns the display 58 to the quiescent current state 620. If at block626, PIN 3 is powered, the control module 64A determines whether PIN 3has a rising edge. If a PIN 3 rising edge is detected, the control logicproceeds to block 632, where the control module 64A places the display58 in a full power state. In the full power state the display 58 is on,the backlight is on, processors are on, GPS is locked, and the accentlight 54B is on. If at block 628 no PIN 3 rising edge is detected, thecontrol logic proceeds to block 630. At block 630, the control module64A checks for CAN traffic. If CAN traffic is detected, the controlmodule 64A proceeds to block 630 and places the display 58 10 in a fullpower state. If at block 630 no CAN traffic is detected, the controllogic returns to block 620 where the control module 64A maintains thequiescent current state.

FIG. 16B illustrates another power state flow diagram in accordance withthe present disclosure at reference numeral 650. The control logicstarts at block 652 with the start of CAN transmission. In response toCAN transmission, the control module 64A activates the accent lights54B, and at block 656 the control module 64A places the display 58 inthe full power state. At block 658, the control module 64A checkswhether the engine 70 is running. If the engine 70 is running, thecontrol logic proceeds to block 660 where the control module 64A resetsa power timer, and the display 58 remains in the full power state inblock 656. If at block 658 the control module 64A determines that theengine is not running, the control logic proceeds to block 662, wherethe control module 64A determines whether PIN 4 is powered. If PIN 4 isnot powered, at block 664 the control module 64A starts an incrementshutdown timer, and at block 666 the control module 64A places thedisplay 58 in the idle power state. The increment shutdown timer isdesignated to keep track of the time the display has been unpoweredbefore imitating a software shutdown at 850 of FIG. 16E. The idle powerstate is a standby/idle power state designated for reducing load on thebattery while keeping GPS locked and the processor alive. The displayscreen is off, the backlight is off, processors remain booted, GPSremains locked, the display 58 responds to display and external inputs,and the accent light 54B is off.

If at block 662 PIN 4 is powered, the control logic proceeds to block668, where the control module 64A determines whether PIN 3 is powered.If PIN 3 is not powered, control module 64A initiates an increment powertimer at block 670. Upon expiration of the increment power timer 670,the control logic proceeds to block 672, where in the control module 64Aplaces the display 58 in the play dead state. The increment power timeris designated to keep track of time the display 58 has been in a certainstate of the power management strategy. The play dead state is astandby/idle power state designated for reducing load on the batterywhile keeping GPS locked and the processor alive. The screen of thedisplay 58 is off, the backlight is off, processors remain booted, GPSis locked, display and external inputs are not responded to, and theaccent lights 54B are off.

If at block 668 PIN 3 is powered, the control logic proceeds to block674 where the control module 64A resets a shutdown timer. Once theshutdown timer has been reset, the control logic proceeds to block 676where the control module 64A checks for inputs to the display 58, suchas touch inputs or actuation of the physical controls 152 adjacent tothe display 58. If display inputs are detected, the control module 64Aresets the power timer at block 660 and the full power state ismaintained. If at block 676 no display inputs are detected, the controlmodule 64A checks for external inputs at block 678. If external inputsare detected, the control module 64A resets the power timer at block 660and the full power state is maintained. If at block 678 no externalinputs are detected, the control logic proceeds to block 680, where thecontrol module 64A activates the increment power timer. At block 682, ifthe power timer is greater than full power time, the logic proceeds toblock 684 where the control module 64A places the display 58 in the idlepower state. If the power timer is not greater than the full power time,then the control logic returns to block 656, where the full power stateis maintained. The full power time is a calibratable parameterdesignated as the time threshold the display 58 stays in full power modewithout display button presses, hand control button presses, and enginenot running. The full power time is stored in memory of the controlmodule 64A or 64B, has a default of 30 seconds, a range of 6 hours, anda resolution of 5 seconds.

With reference to FIG. 16C, another power state flow diagram isillustrated at reference numeral 710. In response to a stop CANtransmission at block 712, the control module 64A turns off the accentlight 54B at block 714 and places the display 58 in the idle power stateat block 716. From block 716, the control logic proceeds to block 718,where the control module 64A determines whether the engine 70 isrunning. If the engine 70 is running, the control logic proceeds toblock 748, where the control module 64A resets the power timer andplaces the display 58 in the full power state at block 750.

If at block 718 the engine is not running, the control logic proceeds toblock 720, where the control module 64A determines whether PIN 4 ispowered. If PIN 4 is not powered, the control logic proceeds to block722, where the control module 64A activates an increment shutdown timer.At block 724, the control module 64A checks whether the shutdown timeris greater than the perc. time. The perc. time is a calibratableparameter designated as the time threshold the display 58 waits untilinitiating software shutdown at 850 of FIG. 16E. The perc. time has adefault of 500 ms, a range of 10 seconds, and a resolution of 10 ms. Ifthe shutdown timer is greater, the control logic returns to block 716,where the display 58 is maintained in the idle power state. If at block724 the shutdown timer is not greater than the perc. time, the controlmodule 64A places the display 58 in the power off state at block 726. Ifat block 720 PIN 4 is powered, the control module 64A checks whether PIN3 is powered at block 730. If PIN 3 is not powered, the control module64A activates the increment power timer at block 732, and then placesthe display 58 in the play dead state at block 734.

If at block 730 PIN 3 is powered, the control module 64A resets theshutdown timer at block 740. From block 740, the control module 64Achecks for display inputs at block 742. If display inputs are detected,the control module 64A resets the power timer at block 748, and placesthe display 58 in the full power state at block 750. If at block 742 nodisplay inputs are detected, the control module 64A checks for externalinputs at block 744. If external inputs are detected, the control module64A resets the power timer at block 748, and places the display 58 inthe full power state at block 750. If no external inputs are detected,the control module 64A activates the increment power timer at block 746.If at block 728 the power timer is greater than the idle power time, thecontrol module 64A places the display 58 in the power off state at block726. If the power timer is not greater than the idle power time, thenthe control logic proceeds to block 716, and the control module 64Amaintains the display 58 in the idle power state. The idle power time isa calibratable parameter designated as the time threshold the display 58stays in idle power mode without a display input, hand control input,and engine not running. The idle power time is stored in memory of thecontrol module 64A or 64B, has a default of 120 seconds, has a range of6 hours, and a resolution of 10 seconds.

FIG. 16D illustrates another exemplary power state flow diagram inaccordance with the present disclosure at reference numeral 810. Inresponse to a stop CAN transmission at block 812, the control module 64Apowers off the accent lights at block 814 and places the display 58 inthe play dead state at block 816. At block 818, the control module 64Achecks for power at PIN 4. If PIN 4 is not powered, the control module64A activates the increment shutdown timer at block 820. At block 822,the control module 64A checks whether the shutdown timer is greater thanthe perc. time. If the shutdown timer is not greater than the perc.time, the control module 64A maintains the display 58 in the play deadstate at block 816. If the shutdown timer is greater than the perc.time, the control module 64A places the display 58 in the power offstate at block 824.

If PIN 4 is powered at block 818, the control module 64A checks whetherthe battery voltage is greater than a predetermined battery voltagethreshold at block 830. The battery voltage threshold is a calibratableparameter designated as the threshold where the display 58 decides thereis not sufficient charge in the battery and initiates a softwareshutdown at 850 of FIG. 16E. The battery voltage threshold has a defaultof 8V, a range of 0-14V, and a resolution of 0.1V. If the batteryvoltage is not greater than the predetermined threshold, the controlmodule 64A places the display 58 in the power off state at block 824. Ifthe battery voltage is greater than the predetermined threshold, thecontrol module 64A checks whether PIN 3 is powered at block 832. If PIN3 is powered, the control module 64A resets the power time at block 834,and places the display 58 in the full power state at block 836. If PIN 3is not powered, the control module 64A activates the increment powertimer at block 840, and at block 842 the control module 64A checkswhether the power timer is greater than the play dead time. If the powertimer is greater than the play dead time, the control module 64A placesthe display 58 in the power off state at block 844. If the power timeris not greater than the play dead time, the control module 64A maintainsthe display 58 in the play dead state at block 816. The play dead timeis a calibratable parameter designated as the time threshold the display58 stays in play dead mode (key switch off, engine not running). Theplay dead time is stored in the control module 64A or 64B, has a defaulttime of 120 seconds, a range of 6 hours, and a resolution of 10 seconds.

FIG. 16E illustrates another power state flow diagram in accordance withthe present disclosure at reference numeral 850 for the softwareshutdown procedure. At block 852, the control module 64A initiates thesoftware shutdown procedure, and places the display 58 in the power offstate at block 854. At block 856, the control module 64A checks whetherPIN 4 is powered. If PIN 4 is not powered, the control module 64Amaintains the display 58 in the power off state at block 854. If PIN 4is powered, the control module 64A places the display 58 in thequiescent current state.

The circuitry of FIG. 17 may be included with the snowmobile 10 at anysuitable location. For example, the circuitry of FIG. 17 may be includedwithin the left hand control assembly 66 on a printed circuit boardthereof. The printed circuit board may also include the control module64A and a CAN transceiver. FIG. 17 illustrates current flow to the righthand warmer 434B, the left hand warmer 434A and the thumb warmer 436 ofthe handle bars 26. In the example of FIG. 17 , power is provided by wayof chassis power 920. A current amplifier is included at referencenumeral 922 and one or more high side drivers are included at referencenumeral 924. For each warmer (or group of warmers), over whichindividual temperature control is desired, a separate high side driver924 is included. For example, to control the temperature of the handwarmers 434A, 434B together such that the temperature of the left handwarmer 434A is the same as the right hand warmer 434B, one high sidedriver 924 is included for the hand warmers 434A, 434B. To control thetemperature of the left hand warmer 434A independent of the right handwarmer 434B, separate high side drivers 924 for the hand warmers 434A,434B are included. To control the temperature of the thumb warmer 436independent of the hand warmers 434A and 434B, another high side driver924 is included for the thumb warmer 436. Any suitable number ofadditional high side drivers 924 may be included to individually controlthe temperature of any other warmers, such as, but not limited to, thefollowing warmers: brake handle warmer; storage compartment warmer;goggles warmer; garment warmer; windshield warmer; helmet shield warmer;seat warmer; etc. The high side driver 924 is driven by pulse widthmodulation (PWM), which advantageously allows for customized temperaturesettings of the left hand warmer 434A, the right hand warmer 434B, andthe thumb warmer 436 by the operator as explained above, where the useris able to set preferred temperatures for the low, medium and hightemperature settings of the hand warmers 434A, 434B and the thumb warmer436.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate exemplary resistive control diagrams forcontrolling the left hand warmer 434A, the right hand warmer 434B andthe thumb warmer 436. Beginning at block 1012, temperature of the handwarmers 434A, 434B and the thumb warmer 436 is set by the operator, suchas by way of the display screen 432 of FIG. 10B as described above. Thetemperature of the left hand warmer 434A, the right hand warmer 434B andthe thumb warmer 436 is determined at block 1030 based on numerousinputs, such as the following: temperature coefficient of resistance (a)1014, reference resistance (Rref) 1016; and reference temperature (Tref)1018. At block 1030, the temperature is also determined based on heaterresistance including: measured voltage 1020; measured current 1022;internal resistance 1024; and wire resistance 1026. At block 1032,heater resistance R=measured voltage (V) of block 1020 divided bymeasured current (I) of block 1022. At block 1030, heater temperatureequals (R/Rref−1/α+Tref). Both the set temperature 1012 and the heatertemperature calculated at block 1030 are input to block 1048.

At block 1048, the difference node for command value—measured isdetermined to arrive at the control error “e”. At block 1050, peakcoefficient “P” is determined as follows kP*e. At block 1052, anintegrator is determined as follows ∫ki*e dt). At block 1054, thecontrol module 64A determines whether the integrator is greater thanmaximum duty. If the integrator is greater than maximum duty, then thecontrol module 64A sets the integrator to equal maximum duty at block1060. From block 1060, the control logic proceeds to block 1064, wherethe duty is determined as the sum of peak coefficient (P) and integrator(I). If at block 1054 the integrator is not greater than maximum duty,the control module 64A checks whether the integrator is less than 0 atblock 1056. If the integrator is less than 0, then at 1062, theintegrator is set to 0. If the integrator is not less than 0, then thecontrol logic proceeds to block 1064. From block 1064, the control logicproceeds to block 1044 of FIG. 18A. At block 1044, the control module64A determines whether duty is greater than limit duty.

Limit duty is determined at blocks 1034, 1040, and 1042. At block 1034,the control module 64A determines whether the measured current 1022 isgreater than a predetermined current limit. If the measured current 1022is not greater than the current limit, then at block 1042 the limit dutyis set to equal a predetermined maximum duty. If at block 1034 themeasured current 1022 is greater than the current limit, then at block1040 the control module 64A sets the limit duty as follows: limit dutyequals (current limit*maximum duty)/current.

At block 1044, the control module 64A determines whether the duty fromblock 1064 is greater than the limit duty from blocks 1040, 1042. If atblock 1044 the duty is greater than the limit duty, at block 1046, theduty is set to equal the limit duty, and the control logic proceeds toblock 1070, and the duty is output to PWM control, which is input to thehigh side driver 924 of FIG. 17 for driving the right hand warmer 434B,the left hand warmer 434A and/or the thumb warmer 436. If at block 1044,the duty is not greater than the limit duty, at block 1066 the controlmodule 64A determines whether the duty is less than the minimum duty. Ifthe duty is less than the minimum duty, then at block 1068 the duty isset to equal the minimum duty, which is output to PWM control at block1070. If at block 1066 the duty is not less than the minimum duty, thenthe duty is output to PWM control at block 1070.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled inthe art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples ofspecific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not beemployed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many differentforms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes,well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are notdescribed in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may bedirectly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element orlayer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engagedto,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another elementor layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Otherwords used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

What is claimed is:
 1. A snowmobile comprising: a warming element at ahandlebar of the snowmobile, the warming element configured to generateheat in response to electrical current driven therethrough; an userinterface configured to receive inputs from an operator of thesnowmobile, the inputs including a first temperature input setting afirst predetermined temperature for the warming element; a controlassembly including a warmer control button configured for setting thewarming element at the first predetermined temperature; and a controlmodule included with the control assembly and in receipt of inputs fromthe user interface and the control assembly, the control moduleconfigured to, when the first predetermined temperature is selected byway of the warmer control button, direct sufficient electrical currentto the warming element to generate heat equal to the first predeterminedtemperature.
 2. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein: the user interfaceis configured to receive a second temperature input setting a secondpredetermined temperature for the warming element that is different fromthe first predetermined temperature; the warmer control button of thecontrol assembly is further configured to set the warming element at thesecond predetermined temperature; and the control module is furtherconfigured to, when the second predetermined temperature is selected byway of the warmer control button, direct sufficient electrical currentto the warming element to generate heat equal to the secondpredetermined temperature.
 3. The snowmobile of claim 2, wherein thewarming element includes a hand warmer and a thumb warmer.
 4. Thesnowmobile of claim 2, wherein: the warming element is a first warmingelement configured as a hand warmer; and the snowmobile further includesa second warming element configured as a thumb warmer; the userinterface is further configured to receive a third temperature inputsetting a third predetermined temperature for the thumb warmer; and thecontrol module is configured to, when the third predeterminedtemperature is selected by way of the warmer control button, directsufficient electrical current to the thumb warmer to generate heat equalto the third predetermined temperature.
 5. The snowmobile of claim 4,wherein the third predetermined temperature is different from at leastone of the first predetermined temperature and the second predeterminedtemperature.
 6. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein the control assemblyfurther includes at least one of an engine start button for electronicengine start, a high beam control button, an electronic shock absorberadjustment button, a multimedia control button, and a menu controlbutton.
 7. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein the control assemblyfurther includes a driver for driving electrical current to the warmingelement by pulse-width modulation.
 8. The snowmobile of claim 1, whereinthe control assembly is mounted to a handlebar of the snowmobile.
 9. Thesnowmobile of claim 8, wherein the control assembly mounted to thehandlebar further includes a driver configured to drive current to thewarming element.
 10. The snowmobile of claim 1, wherein the userinterface includes a display screen.
 11. A snowmobile comprising: awarming element at a handlebar of the snowmobile, the warming elementconfigured to generate heat in response to electrical current driventherethrough; a control assembly mounted to the handlebar, the controlassembly including a warming element control button configured tocontrol the warming element; a driver included in the control assembly,the driver configured to drive electrical current to the warmingelement; and a control module included with the control assembly mountedto the handlebar and in receipt of inputs from the control assembly, thecontrol module configured to, when the warming element is activated byway of the warming element control button, direct electrical current tothe warming element to heat the warming element.
 12. The snowmobile ofclaim 11, wherein: the warming element is a first warming elementconfigured as a hand warmer, and the driver is a first driver; a secondwarming element is configured as a thumb warmer; and a second driver isincluded in the control assembly, the second driver configured to driveelectrical current to the second warming element.
 13. The snowmobile ofclaim 12, wherein the first driver and the second driver are bothconfigured to drive electrical current by pulse-width modulation. 14.The snowmobile of claim 11, wherein the control assembly furtherincludes at least one of an engine start button for electronic enginestart, a high beam control button, an electronic shock absorberadjustment button, a multimedia control button, and a menu controlbutton.
 15. The snowmobile of claim 11, further comprising: a userinterface configured to receive a first temperature input setting afirst predetermined temperature for the warming element, and a secondtemperature input setting a second predetermined temperature for thewarming element that is different from the first predeterminedtemperature; wherein the warming element control button of the controlassembly is configured for setting the warming element at the firstpredetermined temperature or the second predetermined temperature;wherein the control module is configured to, when the firstpredetermined temperature is selected by way of the warming elementcontrol button, direct sufficient electrical current to the warmingelement to generate heat equal to the first predetermined temperature;and wherein the control module is configured to, when the secondpredetermined temperature is selected by way of the warming elementcontrol button, direct sufficient electrical current to the warmingelement to generate heat equal to the second predetermined temperature.16. The snowmobile of claim 15, wherein the user interface includes adisplay screen in communication with the control module included withthe control assembly mounted to the handlebar.
 17. A snowmobilecomprising: a warming element at a handlebar of the snowmobile, thewarming element configured to generate heat in response to electricalcurrent driven therethrough; a display configured to receive touchinputs from an operator of the snowmobile for controlling the warmingelement; a control assembly mounted to the handlebar, the controlassembly including a warmer control button configured for controllingthe warming element; and a control module included with the controlassembly and in communication with the display to provide feedbackmessages to the operator, the control module configured to directsufficient electrical current to the warming element to heat the warmingelement.
 18. The snowmobile of claim 17, further comprising a driverincluded in the control assembly, the driver configured to driveelectrical current to the warming element.
 19. The snowmobile of claim17, wherein the touch inputs include a first temperature input setting afirst predetermined temperature for the warming element; wherein thewarmer control button of the control assembly is configured for settingthe warming element at the first predetermined temperature; and whereinthe control module is configured to, when the first predeterminedtemperature is selected by way of the warmer control button, directsufficient electrical current to the warming element to generate heatequal to the first predetermined temperature.
 20. The snowmobile ofclaim 19, wherein the touch inputs include a second temperature inputsetting a second predetermined temperature for the warming element thatis different from the first predetermined temperature for the warmingelement; wherein the warmer control button of the control assembly isfurther configured for setting the warming element at the secondpredetermined temperature; and wherein the control module is configuredto, when the second predetermined temperature is selected by way of thewarmer control button, direct sufficient electrical current to thewarming element to generate heat equal to the second predeterminedtemperature.